False Widow Spider sightings in Bowerhill

SIGHTINGS of false widow spiders across the UK have increased dramatically recently and now they have been spotted in Melksham.

The spider, which is recognised as Britain’s most venomous, has gained notoriety recently following an increase in sightings and bites across the country. The arachnid has now been spotted in different locations in Bowerhill, with some found in sheds and conservatories.  Despite the negative press coverage of the false widow spider in the national press, experts say the species is not aggressive towards humans and that being bitten is rare.  John Tweddle from the life sciences department at the Natural History Museum said, “The species is becoming more common and widespread but it is not an influx as such, rather existing populations are expanding.

“There have been very few confirmed incidences of bites from the false widow, although adult female false widow spiders are certainly capable of biting humans if handled without due care – the smaller males are not known to cause bites. It is not an aggressive species towards humans and is most likely to bite when accidentally prodded or squashed, or trapped in clothing.”

Dee Phesse a resident in Bowerhill said, “At first when I found them in my conservatory I was scared as I have seen all the stories in the press but once I dug a little and did some research, I realised there was nothing to fear. I had a whole nest in my conservatory but I have managed to get rid of it and hopefully I won’t have any more.”

The spider is about the size of a 50p coin and the increase in population is thought to be due to climate change.

Have you found any false widow spiders in or around Melksham? If so, let us know by emailing news@melkshamnews.co.uk